RENTER’S TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

SUMMARY

The renter’s tax relief program provides state grants to low-income elderly and totally disabled people to reimburse them for a portion of their rent and utilities. The amount of the grant varies according to income.

The law and informational materials published by the administering agency, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), describe a renter as anyone who makes periodic payments in return for occupying another’s property as his principal residence. The grants cover people living in apartments, cooperative and congregate housing, boarding houses, and mobile homes, among other places.

ELDERLY AND DISABLED RENTER’S TAX RELIEF PROGRAM

The state elderly and disabled renters’ program reimburses rent and utility costs for low-income recipients. Annual grants range from $150 to $900 for married couples and from $50 to $700 for singles, depending on income. The grants reimburse for rent and utilities actually paid during the preceding calendar year.

To qualify for the program, a renter or his spouse must (1) have lived in Connecticut for at least one year before applying; (2) be at least age 65 or, if under age 65, be eligible to receive Social Security or equivalent permanent total disability benefits; and (3) for 2006 applications, have a qualifying income below $37,300 for a married couple and $30,500 for a single person. These income limits are adjusted annually by the annual percentage increase in Social Security benefits (CGS §§12-170d and 12-170e).